Festival Checklist – Reading Festival

With headliners including Foals, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Biffy Clyro and The 1975, this year’s Reading Festival promises to be the highlight of the summer. To help you make the most of those three days in August, we’ve rounded up hacks full of tips and survival tricks on what to avoid and what to take.

With so many great bands and acts to see, there’s nothing worse than missing your favourites because you were the line for the loos. Simply download the official Reading and Leeds Festival app. You’ll be able to get your own personal schedule of when and where to go, based on your top artists. You’ll also have access to secret sets and special onsite offers.

Plan where to pitch your tent avoiding stage areas, walkways or, in case of rain, the bottom of a hill. Camping near the loos may seem like a good idea, but it can get crowded and more disgusting as the weekend goes on.

Avoid warm beers throughout the weekend and freeze water bottles before placing them in a cool box with your drinks. Each camper is allowed to bring sealed plastic water/soft drinks bottles 500ml and under so freezing these will keep your alcohol nice and cool for longer.

Trying to find your tent in the dark after a few drinks can be problematic, so make a flag of some sort so you can easily find yours and save time and panic.

It’s quite likely you’ll wake up feeling rough most mornings. Take some essential hangover remedies like painkillers, vitamins and an energy drink. You’ll feel more human in less time and be able to get on with the rest of the day.

So sunshine and clear skies were forecast but it’s pouring down and now you’re wet through. Keep British weather in mind and always take a pac-a-mac or waterproof jacket.

Festival toilets don’t have the best reputation, so if you’re squeamish try to use toilets further away from the crowds. As they are used less, they are more likely to be clean. And don’t forget your loo roll, wipes and hand sanitizer.

Our hacks are so simple but so easily forgotten during the hype leading up to the festival. Make sure you’re prepared for the best time you can have.